Preemption indication&#39; for new radio

ABSTRACT

Preempting a slot with a mini-slot for use in a wireless transmitter of a wireless communication network is presented. The method includes preempting a slot transmission to a wireless receiver with a mini-slot transmission to the wireless receiver, wherein the slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs), each TFR comprising a plurality of sub-regions. The method further includes transmitting a preemption indication to the wireless receiver, where the preemption indication includes: a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission, a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission and an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Particular embodiments are directed to wireless communications and, more particularly, to a preemption indication scheme, parameters, and message structure for new radio (NR).

INTRODUCTION

Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines a fifth generation (5G) of wireless communication that includes new radio (NR). Dynamic multiplexing of different services is highly desirable for efficient use of system resources and to maximize system capacity. In downlink, the assignment of resources can be instantaneous and is only limited by the scheduler implementation. Once low-latency data appears in a buffer, a base station should choose the soonest moment of time when resources could be normally allocated. This may be either the beginning of a subframe or a mini-slot, where the mini-slot can start at any orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol.

The stringent latency budget of such traffic as ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), however, may require transmission of a mini-slot signal without waiting for vacant resources. Thus a UE may need to handle puncturing/preemption of slot data transmission (i.e., cases when slot transmissions to UE1 on already allocated resources are overridden by a mini-slot transmission to UE2). This may negatively impact mini-slot transmitter interference on slot receivers. Dynamic resource sharing between slot and mini-slot transmissions in the uplink is also desirable and may involve puncturing/preemption of a slot by mini-slot transmissions.

As used herein, the terms “puncturing,” “preemption,” and “pre-emption” may be used interchangeably. 3GPP may prefer the term “preemption.” Preemption may refer to a situation were UE may assume that no transmission to the UE is present in PRBs and in symbols.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a general procedure of resource allocation. A buffer (block 1) collects packets of slot data and reports about data presence to Scheduler (block 7). Packets in the buffer (block 1) are waiting for a scheduling command which triggers channel coding, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) cyclic buffer forming and modulation procedures (block 3). Scheduler (block 7) makes a decision about time-frequency ranges of modulated slot data and provides this information to block 5, which is responsible for forming a time-frequency grid that consists of modulation symbols. In practice, block 5 is able to aggregate inputs from more than one source and an upper limit is defined by various factors which are out of the scope of this disclosure.

In the process of forming the time-frequency grid, mini-slot data can arrive in the buffer (block 2). Because of strict latency requirements for mini-slot data, the Scheduler (7) may decide to replace part of slot modulation symbols by mini-slot modulation symbols. To do this the Scheduler (7) triggers mini-slot channel coding etc. by sending a command to block 4. It also sends updated grid mapping information to block 5. Simultaneously with that, the Scheduler (7) forms a special message with pre-emption information.

The prepared time-frequency grid is transferred to block 6 for OFDM modulation and further signal processing and then a radio signal is transmitted by block 8 to the antenna.

The Scheduler (7) could be a logical part of a transmitting node (base station) or it could be located outside of transmitting node (user equipment). In the first case, signaling data between blocks is delivered internally inside a node. The second case uses external signaling links between scheduler and transmitting node.

HARQ retransmissions with incremental redundancy may use a few different redundancy versions (RV) for subsequent retransmissions.

A general downlink preemption indication (PI) architecture may be based on presenting the time-frequency grid structure prior to the received PI message as one time/frequency region (TFR) and signaling which part(s) of the TFR are affected by pre-emption. TFR size and its internal resolution are defined before sending the PI message.

This approach, however, includes at least two problems. Accuracy may be low with realistic signaling message size (around 20 bits). To achieve acceptable accuracy, a PI message may be limited to reporting only about a short time backward (e.g., around 1 time slot), which is not flexible in terms of signaling latency.

SUMMARY

The embodiments described herein include a pre-emption indication (PI) which includes a good trade-off between pre-emption indication resolution and signaling message size. Particular embodiments include a parameter set for proper tuning of the PI scheme. Some embodiments include a pre-emption indication message format.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a method of preempting a slot with a mini-slot for use in a wireless transmitter of a wireless communication network is provided. The method includes pre-empting a slot transmission to a wireless receiver with a mini-slot transmission to the wireless receiver, wherein the slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs), each TFR comprising a plurality of sub-regions. The method further includes transmitting a preemption indication to the wireless receiver, where the preemption indication includes: a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission, a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission and an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.

According to one embodiment, a wireless device is provided. The wireless device includes processing circuitry operable to perform pre-empting a slot transmission to a wireless receiver with a mini-slot transmission to the wireless receiver, wherein the slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs), each TFR comprising a plurality of sub-regions. The processing circuitry is further operable to perform transmitting a preemption indication to the wireless receiver, where the preemption indication includes: a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission, a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission and an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.

According to one embodiment, a network node is provided. The network node includes processing circuitry operable to perform pre-empting a slot transmission to a wireless receiver with a mini-slot transmission to the wireless receiver, wherein the slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs), each TFR comprising a plurality of sub-regions. The processing circuitry is further operable to perform transmitting a preemption indication to the wireless receiver, where the preemption indication includes: a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission, a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission and an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a method of identifying a preempted mini-slot within a slot for use in a wireless receiver of a wireless communication network is provided. The method includes receiving, from a wireless transmitter, a slot transmission with a preempted mini-slot, wherein the slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs), each TFR comprising a plurality of sub-regions. The method further includes receiving a preemption indication from the wireless transmitter, where the preemption indication includes a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission, a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission, and an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.

According to one embodiment, a wireless device is provided. The wireless device includes processing circuitry operable to perform receiving, from a wireless transmitter, a slot transmission with a preempted mini-slot, wherein the slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs), each TFR comprising a plurality of sub-regions. The processing circuitry is further operable to perform receiving a preemption indication from the wireless transmitter, where the preemption indication includes a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission, a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission, and an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.

According to one embodiment, a network node is provided. The network node includes processing circuitry operable to perform receiving, from a wireless transmitter, a slot transmission with a preempted mini-slot, wherein the slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs), each TFR comprising a plurality of sub-regions. The processing circuitry is further operable to perform receiving a preemption indication from the wireless transmitter, where the preemption indication includes a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission, a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission, and an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.

A generalized scheme of pre-emption indication includes a scheme by which a system can point to a “Time-frequency region” where pre-emption took place and simultaneously point to a sub-region inside TFR. A two-step pointer makes signaling more accurate and signaling message becomes shorter. Particular embodiments may include some, all, or none of the following advantages. For example, particular embodiments achieve a good trade-off between pre-emption indication accuracy and size of signaling message, making signaling more efficient energy-wise. Some embodiments support a wide range of signaling delay.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the embodiments and their features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a general procedure of resource allocation;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless network, according to a particular embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a time-frequency grid illustrating an example logical structure in a preemption indication algorithm, according to particular embodiments;

FIG. 4 is an example preemption indication message structure, according to a particular embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an example of a preemption indication, according to a particular embodiment;

FIG. 6 is another example of a preemption indication, according to a particular embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method in a wireless transmitter, according to particular embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method in a wireless receiver, according to particular embodiments;

FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a wireless device;

FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating example components of a wireless device;

FIG. 10A is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a network node; and

FIG. 10B is a block diagram illustrating example components of a network node;

FIG. A1 Example of t-f-grid logical structure in pre-emption indication algorithm;

FIG. A2 Pre-emption indication message structure;

FIG. A3 Pre-emption indication example 1-1;

FIG. A4 Pre-emption indication example 1-2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines a fifth generation (5G) of wireless communication that includes new radio (NR). Dynamic multiplexing of different services is highly desirable for efficient use of system resources and to maximize system capacity. When low-latency data appears in a buffer, a base station should choose the soonest moment of time when resources could be normally allocated. This may be either the beginning of a subframe or a mini-slot, where the mini-slot can start at any orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol. The stringent latency budget of such traffic as ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) may require transmission of a mini-slot signal without waiting for vacant resources. Thus a UE may need to preempt a slot data transmission (i.e., slot transmissions to UE1 on already allocated resources are overridden by a mini-slot transmission to UE2). Dynamic resource sharing between slot and mini-slot transmissions in the uplink is also desirable and may involve puncturing/preemption of a slot by mini-slot transmissions.

A general downlink preemption indication (PI) architecture may be based on presenting the time-frequency grid structure prior to the received PI message as one time/frequency region (TFR) and signal which part(s) of the TFR are affected by pre-emption. TFR size and its internal resolution are defined before sending the PI message.

This approach, however, includes at least two problems. Accuracy may be low with realistic signaling message size (around 20 bits). To achieve acceptable accuracy, a PI message may be limited to reporting only about a short time backward (e.g., around 1 time slot), which is not flexible in terms of signaling latency.

Particular embodiments described herein obviate the problems described above and include a pre-emption indication that includes a good trade-off between pre-emption indication resolution and signaling message size. Particular embodiments include a parameter set for proper tuning of the PI scheme. Some embodiments include a pre-emption indication message format. Particular embodiments achieve a good trade-off between pre-emption indication accuracy and size of signaling message, making signaling more efficient energy-wise. Some embodiments support a wide range of signaling delay.

The following description sets forth numerous specific details. It is understood, however, that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description. Those of ordinary skill in the art, with the included descriptions, will be able to implement appropriate functionality without undue experimentation.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

Particular embodiments are described with reference to FIGS. 2-10B of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. Long Term Evolution (LTE) and NR are used throughout this disclosure as an example cellular system, but the ideas presented herein may apply to other wireless communication systems as well.

NR terminology and LTE terminology coincide to a considerable extent; for instance, a resource element (RE) remains 1 subcarrier×1 OFDM symbol. Yet some terms known in LTE have been given a new meaning in NR. This disclosure, including the claims, applies prefixes “LTE” and “NR” when indefiniteness could otherwise arise.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless network, according to a particular embodiment. Wireless network 100 includes one or more wireless devices 110 (such as mobile phones, smart phones, laptop computers, tablet computers, MTC devices, or any other devices that can provide wireless communication) and a plurality of network nodes 120 (such as base stations or eNodeBs). Wireless device 110 may also be referred to as a User Equipment (UE). Network node 120 serves coverage area 115 (also referred to as cell 115).

In general, wireless devices 110 that are within coverage of network node 120 (e.g., within cell 115 served by network node 120) communicate with network node 120 by transmitting and receiving wireless signals 130. For example, wireless devices 110 and network node 120 may communicate wireless signals 130 containing voice traffic, data traffic, and/or control signals. A network node 120 communicating voice traffic, data traffic, and/or control signals to wireless device 110 may be referred to as a serving network node 120 for the wireless device 110. Communication between wireless device 110 and network node 120 may be referred to as cellular communication. Wireless signals 130 may include both downlink transmissions (from network node 120 to wireless devices 110) and uplink transmissions (from wireless devices 110 to network node 120).

Each network node 120 may have a single transmitter or multiple transmitters for transmitting signals 130 to wireless devices 110. In some embodiments, network node 120 may comprise a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system. Wireless signal 130 may comprise one or more beams. Particular beams may be beamformed in a particular direction. Each wireless device 110 may have a single receiver or multiple receivers for receiving signals 130 from network nodes 120 or other wireless devices 110. Wireless device 110 may receive one or more beams comprising wireless signal 130.

Wireless signals 130 may be transmitted on time-frequency resources. The time-frequency resources may be partitioned into radio frames, subframes, slots, and/or mini-slots. Network node 120 may dynamically schedule subframes/slots/mini-slots as uplink, downlink, or a combination uplink and downlink. Different wireless signals 130 may comprise different transmission processing times. Network node 120 may schedule a mini-slot to preempt an already scheduled slot. Network node 120 may transmit a preemption indication to wireless device 110 to inform wireless device 110 which time frequency resources were preempted. The preemption indication is described in more detail below and with respect to FIGS. 3-8.

Network node 120 may operate in a licensed frequency spectrum, such as an LTE spectrum or NR spectrum. Network node 120 may also operate in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, such as a 5 GHz Wi-Fi spectrum. In an unlicensed frequency spectrum, network node 120 may coexist with other devices such as IEEE 802.11 access points and terminals. To share the unlicensed spectrum, network node 120 may perform LBT protocols before transmitting or receiving wireless signals 130. Wireless device 110 may also operate in one or both of licensed or unlicensed spectrum and in some embodiments may also perform LBT protocols before transmitting wireless signals 130. Both network node 120 and wireless device 110 may also operate in licensed shared spectrum.

For example, network node 120 a may operate in a licensed spectrum and network node 120 b may operate in an unlicensed spectrum. Wireless device 110 may operate in both licensed and unlicensed spectrum. In particular embodiments, network nodes 120 a and 120 b may be configurable to operate in a licensed spectrum, an unlicensed spectrum, a licensed shared spectrum, or any combination. Although the coverage area of cell 115 b is illustrated as included in the coverage area of cell 115 a, in particular embodiments the coverage areas of cells 115 a and 115 b may overlap partially, or may not overlap at all.

In particular embodiments, wireless device 110 and network nodes 120 may perform carrier aggregation. For example, network node 120 a may serve wireless device 110 as a PCell and network node 120 b may serve wireless device 110 as a SCell. Network nodes 120 may perform self-scheduling or cross-scheduling. If network node 120 a is operating in licensed spectrum and network node 120 b is operating in unlicensed spectrum, network node 120 a may provide license assisted access to the unlicensed spectrum (i.e., network node 120 a is a LAA PCell and network node 120 b is a LAA SCell).

In wireless network 100, each network node 120 may use any suitable radio access technology, such as long term evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, UMTS, HSPA, GSM, cdma2000, NR, WiMax, WiFi, and/or other suitable radio access technology. Wireless network 100 may include any suitable combination of one or more radio access technologies. For purposes of example, various embodiments may be described within the context of certain radio access technologies. However, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the examples and other embodiments could use different radio access technologies.

As described above, embodiments of a wireless network may include one or more wireless devices and one or more different types of radio network nodes capable of communicating with the wireless devices. The network may also include any additional elements suitable to support communication between wireless devices or between a wireless device and another communication device (such as a landline telephone). A wireless device may include any suitable combination of hardware and/or software. For example, in particular embodiments, a wireless device, such as wireless device 110, may include the components described with respect to FIG. 9A below. Similarly, a network node may include any suitable combination of hardware and/or software. For example, in particular embodiments, a network node, such as network node 120, may include the components described with respect to FIG. 10A below.

Particular embodiments include a general preemption scheme based on a two-level pointer to pre-empted resources on a time-frequency grid. After preemption occurs, a base station sends a PI message to one user equipment (UE) or group of UEs via a signaling channel.

When a UE receives the message, the time-frequency resources before the message are logically divided onto TFR

s according to a parameter set derived before. The UE interprets fields of the PI message to identify which TFR was affected by pre-emption. The UE also interprets fields of the PI message to identify which part (sub-region) of the TFR was affected by preemption. An example is illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a time-frequency grid illustrating an example logical structure in a preemption indication algorithm, according to particular embodiments. The horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency. The logical structure may be parametrized according to the parameters below. The parameter set is used to configure UEs for correct interpretation of PI message fields. Parameters of the PI algorithm include the following:

-   -   “T”—TFR size in time scale defined in OFDM symbols.     -   “F”—TFR size in frequency scale defined as BWP fraction.     -   “x”—TFR internal resolution in time scale defined in OFDM         symbols.     -   “y”—TFR internal resolution in frequency scale defined in PRBs.     -   “MTB”—Max backward time covered by TFRs and defined in times of         “T”.

In particular embodiments, preemption configuration may be independent from slot size. “T” may be expressed in OFDM symbol units for TFR size in time scale configuration. In some embodiments, “T” may coincide with the size of the slot. Moreover, to keep PI message size small and achieve good flexibility in configuration, particular embodiments include a TFR size equal to or smaller than the BWP size.

The logical structure illustrated in FIG. 2 is flexible and can be used regardless of how many PI messages may be sent in parallel; whether a PI message is periodic or non-periodic; and whether the grid logical structures of two PI messages have intersections.

Particular embodiments include preemption indication parameters for configuration. A PI message can point to one of the TFR by a time field that tracks backwards in time from the reception of the PI message. The backward time may be limited by the parameter “Max T backward” (or MTB), which denotes the maximum backward time covered by TFRs. The parameter refers to a periodicity and/or time during which the UE may expect a PI message.

In principle, “x” can be from 1 up to a total number of os in the TFR, but to achieve a good resolution in the time domain a value of “x” can implicitly be set to 1 OFDM symbol. Following the same logic, a value “y” can be from 1 up to a total number of PRBs in the TFR, but to simplify configuration procedure the value “y” can be implicitly set to total number of PRBs in TFR, which means there is no frequency resolution inside TFR. The indication may be wideband if “F”=1. Other parameters also have practical values, which are summarized in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Preemption indication parameters summary. Parameter name Principal range Practical values Units MTB 1-any integer 1, 2, 4, 8 times of “T” T 1-any integer 2-14 Number of OFDM symbols F 1/N-1, where N 1, ½, ¼ Fraction of carrier is an integer bandwidth or bandwidth part x 1-T 1, 2 Number of OFDM symbols y 1-number of number of Number of PRBs PRBs in one PRBs in one TFR TFR

Particular embodiments include a preemption indication message structure. The parameters have strict relation with the content of a PI message. Once preemption monitoring is configured for particular BWP, UEs may monitor for PI message of system pre-defined size. Interpretation of the PI message depends on signaled parameters and general interpretation is presented in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is an example preemption indication message structure, according to a particular embodiment. The message structure includes a plurality of bits N1, N2, N3, and P. “TFR position in time” is a pointer at TFR backward in time from PI message reception time, expressed in T. “TFR position in frequency” is a pointer at TFR on frequency. The smaller the value, the closer the TFR is to the first-most subcarrier in the time-frequency grid. “Pre-empted resource time/frequency mask” explicitly defines which parts of TFR are affected by pre-emption, “0” means “not-affected” and “1” means “affected” or vice versa. For example, if internally TFR consist of 14 sub-regions, a 14-bit mask shows which of these sub-regions were affected.

In some embodiments, a relation between field sizes and parameters may be given by the following expressions:

N1=log₂(MTB) [bits]

N2=log₂(1/F) [bits]

${\bullet \mspace{14mu} N\; 3} = {\frac{T}{x}*{\frac{{BWP\_ size}{\_ in}{\_ PRBs}*F}{y}\mspace{14mu}\lbrack{bits}\rbrack}}$ P=GroupCommonPDCCHPayload−N1−N2−N3

GroupCommonPDCCHPayload is defined by the system and this parameter definition is out of the scope of this disclosure. According to the above formulas, values of N1, N2 and P can have zero length and UE should interpret this accordingly. Because it is not allowed to exceed Group Common PDCCH payload, the definition of PI parameters is done in coordination with Group Common PDCCH payload size.

FIG. 5 is an example of a preemption indication, according to a particular embodiment. The horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency. The format of the PI may be the same as described with respect to FIG. 4.

The illustrated example includes a two OFDM-symbols pre-emption with resolution 1 os and half-spectrum. BWP=100 PRBs.

-   -   MTB is 4 T. Time position field N1=log₂(4)=2 bits     -   F=½ (half-of-bandwidth)=>frequency position field         N2=log₂(2)=lbit     -   T=14 OFDM symbols, y=50 PRBs and x=1 OFDM symbol.

${\bullet \mspace{14mu} {Mask}\mspace{14mu} {is}\mspace{20mu} N\; 3} = {\left( {\frac{14}{1}*\frac{100*\frac{1}{2}}{50}} \right) = {14\mspace{14mu} {bits}}}$

FIG. 6 is another example of a preemption indication, according to a particular embodiment. The horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency. The format of the PI may be the same as described with respect to FIG. 4.

The illustrated example includes one preemption with resolution 1 os and full spectrum. BWP=100 PRBs.

-   -   max T backward is 4 TFRs. Time position field N1=log₂(4)=2 bits     -   F=1 (full-bandwidth)=>frequency position field N2=log₂(1)=Obit     -   T=14 OFDM symbols, y=100 PRBs and x=1 OFDM symbols

${\bullet \mspace{14mu} {Mask}\mspace{14mu} {is}\mspace{14mu} N\; 3} = {\left( {\frac{14}{1}*\frac{100*1}{100}} \right) = {14\mspace{14mu} {bits}}}$

Particular embodiments include UE configuration. Particular embodiments may include broadcasting a parameter set in a system information message, or RRC signaling. For both configuration options, particular embodiments include a full or shortened set of parameters. A shortened set of proposed parameters may include only three parameters (e.g., MBT, T and F), while x and y may be set implicitly by default configuration, such as identified in a 3GPP specification.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method in a wireless transmitter, according to particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, one or more steps of FIG. 7 may be performed by network node 120 or wireless device 110 of network 100 described with respect to FIG. 2.

The method begins at step 712, where a wireless transmitter preempts a slot transmission to a wireless receiver with a mini-slot transmission to the wireless receiver. The slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs). Each TFR comprises a plurality of sub-regions. For example, network node 120 may receive low latency data for transmission and may place the data in mini-slot symbols for transmission. Network node 120 may replace previously scheduled slot symbols with the mini-slot symbols. The slot transmission may be divided into a plurality of TFRs, such as those illustrated with respect to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, for example. The preempted symbols may be located within one or more of the TFRs (also referred to as a preempted TFR).

At step 714, the wireless transmitter transmits a preemption indication to the wireless receiver. The preemption indication identifies the preempted time-frequency resources. The preemption indication comprises a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission; a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission; and an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.

For example, network node 120 may transmit a preemption indication to the wireless device 110. The preemption indication may be formatted according to any of the preemption indication formats described above with respect to FIGS. 3-6.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method 700 of FIG. 7. Additionally, one or more steps in the method of FIG. 7 may be performed in parallel or in any suitable order. The steps may be repeated over time as necessary.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method in a wireless transmitter, according to particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, one or more steps of FIG. 8 may be performed by network node 120 or wireless device 110 of network 100 described with respect to FIG. 2.

The method begins at step 812, where a wireless receiver receives, from a wireless transmitter, a slot transmission with a preempted mini-slot. The slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs). Each TFR comprises a plurality of sub-regions. For example, wireless device 110 may receive a preempted slot from network node 120. The slot transmission may be divided into a plurality of TFRs, such as those illustrated with respect to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, for example. The preempted symbols may be located within one or more of the TFRs (also referred to as a preempted TFR).

At step 814, the wireless receiver receives a preemption indication from the wireless transmitter. The preemption indication identifies the preempted time-frequency resources. The preemption indication comprises a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission; a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission; and an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.

For example, network node 120 may transmit a preemption indication to the wireless device 110. The preemption indication may be formatted according to any of the preemption indication formats described above with respect to FIGS. 3-6.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to method 800 of FIG. 8. Additionally, one or more steps in the method of FIG. 8 may be performed in parallel or in any suitable order. The steps may be repeated over time as necessary.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a wireless device. The wireless device is an example of the wireless devices 110 illustrated in FIG. 2. In particular embodiments, the wireless device is capable of transmitting, receiving, and interpreting a preemption indication.

Particular examples of a wireless device include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable computer (e.g., laptop, tablet), a sensor, a modem, a machine type (MTC) device/machine to machine (M2M) device, laptop embedded equipment (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, a device-to-device capable device, a vehicle-to-vehicle device, or any other device that can provide wireless communication. The wireless device includes transceiver 1310, processing circuitry 1320, memory 1330, and power source 1340. In some embodiments, transceiver 1310 facilitates transmitting wireless signals to and receiving wireless signals from wireless network node 120 (e.g., via an antenna), processing circuitry 1320 executes instructions to provide some or all of the functionality described herein as provided by the wireless device, and memory 1330 stores the instructions executed by processing circuitry 1320. Power source 1340 supplies electrical power to one or more of the components of wireless device 110, such as transceiver 1310, processing circuitry 1320, and/or memory 1330.

Processing circuitry 1320 includes any suitable combination of hardware and software implemented in one or more integrated circuits or modules to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform some or all of the described functions of the wireless device. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 1320 may include, for example, one or more computers, one more programmable logic devices, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more applications, and/or other logic, and/or any suitable combination of the preceding. Processing circuitry 1320 may include analog and/or digital circuitry configured to perform some or all of the described functions of wireless device 110. For example, processing circuitry 1320 may include resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, diodes, and/or any other suitable circuit components.

Memory 1330 is generally operable to store computer executable code and data. Examples of memory 1330 include computer memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (e.g., a hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory computer-readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information.

Power source 1340 is generally operable to supply electrical power to the components of wireless device 110. Power source 1340 may include any suitable type of battery, such as lithium-ion, lithium-air, lithium polymer, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, or any other suitable type of battery for supplying power to a wireless device.

Other embodiments of the wireless device may include additional components (beyond those shown in FIG. 9A) responsible for providing certain aspects of the wireless device's functionality, including any of the functionality described above and/or any additional functionality (including any functionality necessary to support the solution described above).

FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating example components of a wireless device 110. The components may include scheduling module 1350, transmitting module 1352 and receiving module 1354.

Scheduling module 1350 may perform the scheduling functions of wireless device 110. For example, scheduling module 1350 preempts a slot transmission to a network node with a mini-slot transmission according to any of the examples and embodiments described above. In certain embodiments, scheduling module 1350 may include or be included in processing circuitry 1320. In particular embodiments, scheduling module 1350 may communicate with transmitting module 1352 and receiving module 1354.

Transmitting module 1352 may perform the transmitting functions of wireless device 110. For example, transmitting module 1352 may transmit a preempted slot transmission and/or a preemption indication according to any of the examples and embodiments described above. In certain embodiments, transmitting module 1352 may include or be included in processing circuitry 1320. In particular embodiments, transmitting module 1352 may communicate with scheduling module 1350 and receiving module 1354.

Receiving module 1354 may perform the receiving functions of wireless device 110. For example, receiving module 1354 may receive a preempted slot transmission and/or a preemption indication according to any of the examples and embodiments described above. In certain embodiments, receiving module 1354 may include or be included in processing circuitry 1320. In particular embodiments, transmitting module 1352 may communicate with scheduling module 1350 and transmitting module 1352.

FIG. 10A is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a network node. The network node is an example of the network node 120 illustrated in FIG. 2. In particular embodiments, the network node is capable of transmitting, receiving, and interpreting a preemption indication.

Network node 120 can be an eNodeB, a nodeB, a base station, a wireless access point (e.g., a Wi-Fi access point), a low power node, a base transceiver station (BTS), a transmission point or node, a remote RF unit (RRU), a remote radio head (RRH), or other radio access node. The network node includes at least one transceiver 1410, at least one processing circuitry 1420, at least one memory 1430, and at least one network interface 1440. Transceiver 1410 facilitates transmitting wireless signals to and receiving wireless signals from a wireless device, such as wireless devices 110 (e.g., via an antenna); processing circuitry 1420 executes instructions to provide some or all of the functionality described above as being provided by a network node 120; memory 1430 stores the instructions executed by processing circuitry 1420; and network interface 1440 communicates signals to backend network components, such as a gateway, switch, router, Internet, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), controller, and/or other network nodes 120. Processing circuitry 1420 and memory 1430 can be of the same types as described with respect to processing circuitry 1320 and memory 1330 of FIG. 9A above.

In some embodiments, network interface 1440 is communicatively coupled to processing circuitry 1420 and refers to any suitable device operable to receive input for network node 120, send output from network node 120, perform suitable processing of the input or output or both, communicate to other devices, or any combination of the preceding. Network interface 1440 includes appropriate hardware (e.g., port, modem, network interface card, etc.) and software, including protocol conversion and data processing capabilities, to communicate through a network.

FIG. 10B is a block diagram illustrating example components of a network node 120. The components may include scheduling module 1450, transmitting module 1452 and receiving module 1454.

Scheduling module 1450 may perform the scheduling functions of network node 120. For example, scheduling module 1450 preempts a slot transmission to a wireless device with a mini-slot transmission according to any of the examples and embodiments described above. In certain embodiments, scheduling module 1450 may include or be included in processing circuitry 1420. In particular embodiments, scheduling module 1450 may communicate with transmitting module 1452 and receiving module 1454.

Transmitting module 1452 may perform the transmitting functions of network node 120. For example, transmitting module 1452 may transmit a preempted slot transmission and/or a preemption indication according to any of the examples and embodiments described above. In certain embodiments, transmitting module 1452 may include or be included in processing circuitry 1420. In particular embodiments, transmitting module 1452 may communicate with scheduling module 1450 and receiving module 1454.

Receiving module 1454 may perform the receiving functions of network node 120. For example, receiving module 1454 may receive a preempted slot transmission and/or a preemption indication according to any of the examples and embodiments described above. In certain embodiments, receiving module 1454 may include or be included in processing circuitry 1420. In particular embodiments, transmitting module 1452 may communicate with scheduling module 1450 and transmitting module 1452.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. Additionally, operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed using any suitable logic comprising software, hardware, and/or other logic. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the methods disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order.

Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, alterations and permutations of the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of the embodiments does not constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the claims below.

Abbreviations used in the preceding description include:

-   -   3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project     -   BBU Baseband Unit     -   BTS Base Transceiver Station     -   BWP Bandwidth Part     -   CB Code Block     -   CBG Code Block Group     -   CC Component Carrier     -   CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check     -   CQI Channel Quality Information     -   CSI Channel State Information     -   D2D Device to Device     -   DCI Downlink Control Information     -   DFT Discrete Fourier Transform     -   DMRS Demodulation Reference Signal     -   eNB eNodeB     -   FDD Frequency Division Duplex     -   FFT Fast Fourier Transform     -   gNB Next-generation NodeB     -   LAA Licensed-Assisted Access     -   LBT Listen-before-talk     -   LDPC Low-Density Parity Check     -   LTE Long Term Evolution     -   LTE-U LTE in Unlicensed Spectrum     -   M2M Machine to Machine     -   MCS Modulation and Coding Scheme     -   MIB Master Information Block     -   MIMO Multi-Input Multi-Output     -   MTB Maximum Time Backward     -   MTC Machine Type Communication     -   NR New Radio     -   OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing     -   PCM Parity Check Matrix     -   PI Preemption Indication     -   PRB Physical Resource Block     -   RAN Radio Access Network     -   RAT Radio Access Technology     -   RBS Radio Base Station     -   RNC Radio Network Controller     -   RRC Radio Resource Control     -   RRH Remote Radio Head     -   RRU Remote Radio Unit     -   RV Redundancy Version     -   SCell Secondary Cell     -   SI System Information     -   SIB System Information Block     -   TB Transport Block     -   TBS Transport Block Size     -   TDD Time Division Duplex     -   TFR Time-Frequency Region     -   TTI Transmission Time Interval     -   UE User Equipment     -   UL Uplink     -   URLLC Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication     -   UTRAN Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network     -   WAN Wireless Access Network

The following list provides non-limiting examples of how certain aspects of the proposed solutions could be implemented. The examples are merely intended to illustrate how certain aspects of the proposed solutions could be implemented, however, the proposed solutions could also be implemented in other suitable manners. Examples include:

Example wireless transmitter embodiments:

1. A method of preempting a slot with a mini-slot for use in a wireless transmitter of a wireless communication network, the method comprising:

preempting a slot transmission to a wireless receiver with a mini-slot transmission to the wireless receiver, wherein the slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs), each TFR comprising a plurality of sub-regions;

transmitting a preemption indication to the wireless receiver, the preemption indication comprising:

a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission;

a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission; and

an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.

2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the TFR position in time of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission comprises an identifier of a TFR backward in time relative to the preemption indication.

3. The method of embodiment 2, wherein the TFR position in time of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission comprises an index of a TFR backward in time relative to the preemption indication within a maximum backward time.

4. The method of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein the TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission comprises a fraction of the total bandwidth.

5. The method of any of embodiments 1-4, wherein the identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs comprises a bitmap with a bit position for each sub-region.

6. A wireless device comprising processing circuitry operable to perform the method of any of embodiments 1-5.

7. A network node comprising processing circuitry operable to perform the method of any of embodiments 1-5.

8. A computer program comprising computer-readable instructions for causing at least one programmable processor to perform the method of any of embodiments 1-5.

Example wireless receiver embodiments:

1. A method of identifying a preempted mini-slot within a slot for use in a wireless receiver of a wireless communication network, the method comprising:

receiving, from a wireless transmitter, a slot transmission with a preempted mini-slot, wherein the slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs), each TFR comprising a plurality of sub-regions;

receiving a preemption indication from the wireless transmitter, the preemption indication comprising:

a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission;

a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission; and

an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.

2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the TFR position in time of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission comprises an identifier of a TFR backward in time relative to the preemption indication.

3. The method of embodiment 2, wherein the TFR position in time of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission comprises an index of a TFR backward in time relative to the preemption indication within a maximum backward time.

4. The method of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein the TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission comprises a fraction of the total bandwidth.

5. The method of any of embodiments 1-4, wherein the identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs comprises a bitmap with a bit position for each sub-region.

6. A wireless device comprising processing circuitry operable to perform the method of any of embodiments 1-5.

7. A network node comprising processing circuitry operable to perform the method of any of embodiments 1-5.

8. A computer program comprising computer-readable instructions for causing at least one programmable processor to perform the method of any of embodiments 1-5. 

1. A method of preempting a slot with a mini-slot for use in a wireless transmitter of a wireless communication network, the method comprising: preempting a slot transmission to a wireless receiver with a mini-slot transmission to the wireless receiver, wherein the slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs), each TFR comprising a plurality of sub-regions; transmitting a preemption indication to the wireless receiver, the preemption indication comprising: a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission; a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission; and an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the TFR position in time of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission comprises an identifier of a TFR backward in time relative to the preemption indication.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the TFR position in time of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission comprises an index of a TFR backward in time relative to the preemption indication within a maximum backward time.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission comprises a fraction of the total bandwidth.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs comprises a bitmap with a bit position for each sub-region.
 6. A wireless device comprising processing circuitry operable to perform the method of claim
 1. 7. A network node comprising processing circuitry operable to perform the method of claim
 1. 8. A computer program comprising computer-readable instructions for causing at least one programmable processor to perform the method of claim
 1. 9. A method of identifying a preempted mini-slot within a slot for use in a wireless receiver of a wireless communication network, the method comprising: receiving, from a wireless transmitter, a slot transmission with a preempted mini-slot, wherein the slot transmission comprises a plurality of time-frequency regions (TFRs), each TFR comprising a plurality of sub-regions; receiving a preemption indication from the wireless transmitter, the preemption indication comprising: a TFR position in time of one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission; a TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission; and an identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the TFR position in time of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission comprises an identifier of a TFR backward in time relative to the preemption indication.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the TFR position in time of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission comprises an index of a TFR backward in time relative to the preemption indication within a maximum backward time.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the TFR position in frequency of the one or more preempted TFRs in the slot transmission comprises a fraction of the total bandwidth.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the identifier of one or more of the plurality of sub-regions of the one more preempted TFRs comprises a bitmap with a bit position for each sub-region.
 14. A wireless device comprising processing circuitry operable to perform the method of claim
 9. 15. A network node comprising processing circuitry operable to perform the method of claim
 9. 16. A computer program comprising computer-readable instructions for causing at least one programmable processor to perform the method of claim
 9. 